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Traffic Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City Traffic Engineer

El Cajon, CA ยท On-site

$72.53 - $96/hr

... ability to manage multiple priorities while developing staff and delivering transportation ... The position combines technical engineering, project delivery, traffic operations, staff leadership ...

City Traffic Engineer

El Cajon, CA ยท On-site

$72.54 - $88.17/hr

... ability to manage multiple priorities while developing staff and delivering transportation ... Supervises the operation, maintenance and installation of traffic control equipment, traffic signs ...

As a senior project manager and seller-doer, you will lead traffic engineering and transportation operations projects from planning through implementation, manage project performance, support ...

Traffic Engineer III

Ontario, CA ยท Hybrid

$88K - $120K/yr

Conduct multimodal traffic engineering analyses, including traffic operations, safety assessments ... Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple simultaneous projects with cross-functional ...

Traffic Engineer III

Los Angeles, CA ยท Hybrid

$100K - $130K/yr

Conduct multimodal traffic engineering analyses, including traffic operations, safety assessments ... Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple simultaneous projects with cross-functional ...

Traffic Engineer III

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Conduct multimodal traffic engineering analyses, including traffic operations, safety assessments ... Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple simultaneous projects with cross-functional ...

Traffic Engineer III

Los Angeles, CA ยท Hybrid

$100K - $130K/yr

Conduct multimodal traffic engineering analyses, including traffic operations, safety assessments ... Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple simultaneous projects with cross-functional ...

Traffic Engineer III

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Conduct multimodal traffic engineering analyses, including traffic operations, safety assessments ... Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple simultaneous projects with cross-functional ...

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Traffic Operations Manager information

See California salary details

$25.2K

$77.4K

$145.1K

How much do traffic operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic operations manager in California is $77,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $94,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a traffic operations manager do?

A Traffic Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the flow and safety of transportation systems, which can include roadways, highways, and sometimes public transit networks. They manage day-to-day traffic operations, analyze traffic data, coordinate with other agencies, and implement strategies to reduce congestion and improve safety. Their work often involves supervising staff, responding to incidents, and utilizing technology such as traffic signals and control centers to manage traffic movement efficiently.

How does a traffic operations manager typically collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth transportation flow?

A Traffic Operations Manager regularly works with engineering, maintenance, and public safety teams to monitor traffic conditions, implement control measures, and respond to incidents. Collaboration often involves participating in planning meetings, coordinating on infrastructure projects, and sharing real-time data to optimize traffic signals and manage congestion. Effective communication and interdisciplinary teamwork are crucial, as these managers serve as a bridge between technical staff, local authorities, and external stakeholders to maintain safe and efficient transportation networks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a traffic operations manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Traffic Operations Manager, you need expertise in traffic engineering, project management, and regulatory compliance, often backed by a degree in civil engineering or transportation planning. Familiarity with traffic management systems, geographic information systems (GIS), and relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are typically required. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills set exceptional candidates apart in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring safe, efficient traffic flow and for leading teams to implement improvements in urban transportation networks.

What is the difference between Traffic Operations Manager vs Traffic Engineer?

AspectTraffic Operations ManagerTraffic Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in transportation, civil engineering, or related field; certifications like PTOE often preferredBachelor's or master's degree in civil engineering or transportation engineering; PE license often required
Work EnvironmentOversees traffic management systems, coordinates with agencies, manages teamsDesigns traffic systems, analyzes traffic data, develops plans for infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, transportation agencies, consulting firmsEngineering firms, government agencies, consulting firms

The Traffic Operations Manager focuses on managing traffic systems and teams, ensuring smooth traffic flow, while the Traffic Engineer designs and analyzes traffic infrastructure. Both roles require related credentials and often work within the same industry, but their core responsibilities differ in management versus technical design.

What are the most commonly searched types of Traffic Operations jobs in California?

The most popular types of Traffic Operations jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Traffic Operations Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Traffic Operations Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Traffic Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Traffic Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Traffic Operations Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,393 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

City Traffic Engineer

City of El Cajon

El Cajon, CA โ€ข On-site

$72.53 - $96/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Overview **10% pay incentive available for classification as a City Traffic Engineer and possesses a current California registration as a Professional Civil Engineer** The Opportunity: The City is searching for a highly skilled, experienced, and efficient traffic engineering professional to lead the Traffic Engineering Division of the Development Services Department. The City Traffic Engineer oversees traffic engineering staff and activities involving traffic signals, signing and striping, roadway lighting, traffic operations, transportation planning and analysis, development review, traffic safety improvements, and capital projects. This position may plan, organize, supervise, and participate in the City's traffic engineering and transportation activities and provides technical leadership for projects and programs that improve roadway safety, mobility, and traffic operations throughout El Cajon.

The City Traffic Engineer also works closely with other City departments, consultants, contractors, regional agencies, developers, community members, and City leadership. Current and upcoming work includes the Neighborhood Street Lighting Project, the Adaptive Signal Timing Project on Chase Avenue and other major corridors, the Washington Avenue Safety Improvements Project, and the new Roundabout Project at El Cajon Boulevard and Main Street. The ideal candidate is an experienced leader with strong technical traffic engineering knowledge, sound judgement, effective communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while developing staff and delivering transportation improvements for the community.

Why Join El Cajon. The City Traffic Engineer has the opportunity to lead a broad municipal traffic engineering program and directly influence transportation safety and mobility throughout the City. The position combines technical engineering, project delivery, traffic operations, staff leadership, and community engagement, with the opportunity to take projects from concept and analysis through design and implementation.

The Community: The City of El Cajon is a leader among San Diego County and a wonderful location to live, work, and play. Its workplace culture empowers employees to maintain a strong work-life balance and make a positive impact in the community. The City offers exceptional benefits and retirement plans, wellness programs, and opportunities for professional development.

To view the City's defined Benefits & Retirement, please visit the ECMMPEG-MOU (Article 6 - Health and Welfare). The Recruitment Process: The most highly qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process which includes an in-person Qualifications Appraisal Interview. Qualifications Appraisal Interviews are tentatively scheduled for October 7, 2026.

Successful candidates will be placed on an eligible list for employment consideration for at least six months. Typical Duties Please visit our website to view the full job description: City Traffic Engineer Duties may include: Plans, organizes, and supervises the traffic engineering function of Development Services; Supervises the operation, maintenance and installation of traffic control equipment, traffic signs and street striping; Provides technical leadership for traffic engineering, transportation planning, traffic operations, and roadway safety programs; Oversees traffic signal design, timing, operations, and improvement projects; Reviews traffic studies, development proposals, transportation analyses, and engineering plans; Makes recommendations concerning traffic rules, regulations and ordinances relating to vehicular flow, truck routes and overload or oversize house moving; Confers with other City personnel, representatives of public and private agencies and the public regarding traffic problems, projects or complaints; Prepares agenda reports and represents the City in regional discussions on transportation planning and traffic engineering. Supervises professional and technical engineering staff.

Qualification Guidelines Education: Educational achievement equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in Civil Engineering with major coursework in traffic engineering or transportation planning. Experience: Five years experience in civil engineering with a major area of specialization in traffic engineering and maintenance, including one year supervisory experience. Special Requirements: Possession of a current California Registration as a Traffic Engineer or possession of current certification as a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer.

Possession of a current California Registration as a Professional California Civil Engineer is desirable.